Monday, January 31, 2011

Van Hiele and Geometry

At the beginning of class I was bombarded with new math information/suggestions to teaching math!  There was so much useful information: try to solve the math problems in as many ways as you can- at some point you might be able to help a student see a problem in a way where they understand; make your tests first and use that as your outline/frame for your lesson plans which you can use to move towards your goal; your confidence in math will say how well you do in it; being able to explain will deepen understanding; and the Van Hiele geometric thought. 
In terms of the Van Hiele geometric thought process, how do I know when it is a good time to move my students up to the next level?  Do they start to show certain signs/be able to do certain tasks?  What types of activities are good to prepare students to get to the next level?  Is there a particular book you recommend that explains all this?
The implications in my classroom could be huge if I get my students up to the appropriate Van Hiele level by the time they hit high school.  I found Geometry very difficult and hard to understand – especially proofs.  If I were able to get my students up to the informal deduction stage by the time they get into 9th grade, maybe their experience in Geometry will be different from mine.  I hope that this would build their confidence in themselves and then would do well in math.

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